SGS Unveils New Art Services Team for China

SGS has recently unveiled its new four-person art services team in China. Based in Shanghai and Beijing, the team is composed of experts who understand the art world and can assist clients with artwork authentication and condition reporting.

Before joining SGS, Frederick Van de Walle worked on several conservation projects around the world. After finishing an MA in Antwerp and an additional BA in Helsinki, Frederick worked as head of conservation on several international projects. Notable among these are a late 14th century BCE Uluburun Shipwreck in Bodrum, Turkey, a position working for the AOC in Edinburgh, Scotland, and running the VIOE conservation department in Belgium. In 2008, he moved to Tampa (Florida) to re-organize a state-of-the-art shipwreck conservation laboratory and develop a systematic inventory and comprehensive database. Frederick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position of Senior Conservator and Technical Manager.

Working as Art Inspector for the new team, Heng-Yi Lee holds an MA from the Tainan National University of the Arts (TNNUA). He worked as a freelancer on several conservation projects in Taiwan before finishing his second MA in Cultural Materials Conservation from the University of Melbourne. He has worked at the Grimwade Center for Cultural Material Conservation (GCCMC) in Australia and the Conservation Center in Cheng-Shiu University in Taiwan.

Developing the business for SGS Art Services in China are two highly experienced operatives. Crack Li has recently rejoined SGS to undertake the role of Senior Business Development Manager. Following an earlier successful career at SGS, which saw him rise from Sales Engineer to Branch Manager, Crack had a successful career as Sales Director and company strategic transformation leader for a leading financial training and consultancy company. With a background in auditing and business development, Crack brings high levels of experience to his new position.

Finally, joining the team as Senior Business Development Manager, Qiang Fu brings a wealth of experience to the role. With a MSc in Business Management from the University of Nottingham and a MA in Art History from the Central Academy of Fine Art, Qiang has risen quickly through the ranks of the art world. Her career began at Christie's Hong Kong Chinese Paintings Department, where she worked as a senior specialist, managing a variety of roles including business enhancement, research, and preparation for auction and private sale. Her excellent relationship with many top collectors, auctioneers, dealers, museums, galleries and foundations, led to Qiang working as a specialist counselor, providing professional and independent consultant services to the market. Qiang joined SGS in 2017 to undertake the position of Senior Business Developer.

Thanks to its global network of laboratories and art conservators, SGS offers independent services tailored specifically to the needs of the art world. With offices around the world and a global network of experienced professional art experts, mobile laboratories, conservation scientists and painting conservators, SGS assists galleries, museums and collectors with a range of services, including:

Condition and conservation monitoring

Technical imaging, analyses and dating

Inventory of fine art collections and funds

Sale condition reporting

Transport and exhibition condition reporting

In recent years, the art world has been shaken by several scandals involving forgeries but, by utilizing the expertise of SGS, auction houses, galleries and private collectors can avoid these pitfalls, saving money and reputations. SGS's Art Services team is thereby using cutting-edge technology to help build trust in the art world.

SGS Art Services

SGS is the only art service provider in its category to maintain a global presence, including a dedicated laboratory in the Geneva Freeport. SGS has developed a unique system to monitor the condition of artworks globally, using an international network of accredited art conservators, proprietary software and rigorous museum level procedures.

About SGS

SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 95,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 2,400 offices and laboratories around the world.